Camouflage for transmission towers and lines

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to camouflaged systems and related camouflaging methods. The camouflaged systems can include at least one camouflaged object, including but not limited to transmission lines and transmission towers. One or more surfaces of the camouflaged object can be configured to appear like (e.g., match, mimic, simulate, correspond to, or otherwise blend with) an environmental condition, which can include any variety of background environmental landscapes. For example, one or more surfaces of the camouflaged object can be painted, coated, or imparted with a texture such that they reflect light in a way that corresponds to any particular environmental condition.

If an Application Data Sheet (ADS) has been filed on the filing date ofthis application, it is incorporated by reference herein. Anyapplications claimed on the ADS for priority under 35 U.S.C. §§119, 120,121, or 365(c), and any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of such applications, are also incorporated byreference, including any priority claims made in those applications andany material incorporated by reference, to the extent such subjectmatter is not inconsistent herewith.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of the earliest availableeffective filing date(s) from the following listed application(s) (the“Priority Applications”), if any, listed below (e.g., claims earliestavailable priority dates for other than provisional patent applications,or claims benefits under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) for provisional patentapplications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Priority Application(s)).

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

None.

If the listings of applications provided above are inconsistent with thelistings provided via an ADS, it is the intent of the Applicant to claimpriority to each application that appears in the DomesticBenefit/National Stage Information section of the ADS and to eachapplication that appears in the Priority Applications section of thisapplication.

All subject matter of the Priority Applications and of any and allapplications related to the Priority Applications by priority claims(directly or indirectly), including any priority claims made and subjectmatter incorporated by reference therein as of the filing date of theinstant application, is incorporated herein by reference to the extentsuch subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to camouflaged systems and related camouflagingmethods. The camouflaged systems can include one or more camouflagedobjects, including but not limited to transmission lines andtransmission towers.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to camouflaged systems and relatedcamouflaging methods. As detailed below, the camouflaged systems caninclude at least one camouflaged object. Exemplary camouflaged objectsinclude but are not limited to transmission lines and transmissiontowers.

One or more surfaces of the camouflaged object can be configured toappear like (e.g., match, mimic, simulate, correspond to, or otherwiseblend with) an environmental condition, which can include any variety ofbackground environmental landscapes. For example, one or more surfacesof the camouflaged object can be painted, coated, or imparted with atexture such that they reflect light in a way that corresponds to anyparticular environmental condition.

The characteristics of the reflectivity of the one or more surfaces canbe varied as desired. Such characteristics of the reflectivity includebut are not limited to color, reflective intensity (e.g., brightness),magnitude of reflection, polarization, reflective direction, angle ofreflection, diffuse reflection, and specular reflection, etc.Configuring the reflectivity and/or the characteristics thereof tocorrespond to an environmental condition can reduce the ability of anobserver to recognize the camouflaged object or distinguish thecamouflaged object from the surrounding environmental landscape.

Further, the camouflaged object can be configured such that at least twosurfaces appear like (e.g., match, mimic, simulate, correspond to, orotherwise blend with) at least two different environmental conditions.For example, the camouflaged object can include a first surface having afirst reflectivity that corresponds to a first environmental condition,and a second surface having a second reflectivity that corresponds to asecond environmental condition. In such instances, the appearance orreflectivity of the camouflaged object can be dependent upon thelocation of the observer. For example, the first surface having thefirst reflectivity can be observed from a first location, and the secondsurface having the second reflectivity can be observed from a secondlocation. The ability to recognize the camouflaged object can thus bereduced, independent of the location and/or viewpoint of the observerand independent of changes in the environment.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings and the followingdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a camouflaged system, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2C depict a camouflaged object comprising a transmission line,according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3B depict a camouflaged object comprising a reflector,according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a camouflaged system, according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts a camouflaged object comprising a transmission line,according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-6B depict a camouflaged object comprising a transmission tower,according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts a camouflaged object comprising a transmission tower,according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8B depict a camouflaged object comprising a transmission tower,according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of thesystems and methods of the disclosure is not intended to limit the scopeof the disclosure, as claimed, but is merely representative of possibleembodiments. In addition, the steps of a method do not necessarily needto be executed in any specific order, or even sequentially, nor do thesteps need to be executed only once.

The present disclosure relates to camouflaged systems and relatedcamouflaging methods. As detailed below, the camouflaged systems caninclude at least one camouflaged object. Exemplary camouflaged objectsinclude but are not limited to transmission lines and transmissiontowers.

One or more surfaces of the camouflaged object can be configured toappear like (e.g., match, mimic, simulate, correspond to, or otherwiseblend with) an environmental condition, which can include any variety ofbackground environmental landscapes. For example, one or more surfacesof the camouflaged object can be painted, coated, or imparted with atexture such that they reflect light in a way that corresponds to anyparticular environmental condition.

The characteristics of the reflectivity of the one or more surfaces canbe varied as desired. Such characteristics of the reflectivity includebut are not limited to color, reflective intensity (e.g., brightness),magnitude of reflection, polarization, reflective direction, angle ofreflection, diffuse reflection, and specular reflection, etc.Configuring the reflectivity and/or the characteristics thereof tocorrespond to an environmental condition can reduce the ability of anobserver to recognize the camouflaged object or distinguish thecamouflaged object from the surrounding environmental landscape.

Further, the camouflaged object can be configured such that at least twosurfaces appear like (e.g., match, mimic, simulate, correspond to, orotherwise blend with) at least two different environmental conditions.For example, the camouflaged object can include a first surface having afirst reflectivity that corresponds to a first environmental condition,and a second surface having a second reflectivity that corresponds to asecond environmental condition. In such instances, the appearance orreflectivity of the camouflaged object can be dependent upon thelocation of the observer. For example, the first surface having thefirst reflectivity can be observed from a first location, and the secondsurface having the second reflectivity can be observed from a secondlocation. The ability to recognize the camouflaged object can thus bereduced, independent of the location and/or viewpoint of the observerand independent of changes in the environment.

FIG. 1 depicts a camouflaged transmission system 100, according to anembodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the camouflagedtransmission system 100 comprises at least one camouflaged object 110.The camouflaged object 110 can comprise various structures, includingbut not limited to a transmission line 120 and/or a transmission tower130.

A transmission line 120 refers to any line that is configured to carry,transfer, or otherwise transmit a current or signal from one location toanother. For example, in some embodiments, a transmission line 120 canbe configured to carry an electrical current or electrical signal. Inother embodiments, a transmission line 120 can be configured to carrylight.

Various types of transmission lines 120 can be camouflaged according tothe principles disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, thetransmission line 120 comprises a wire, fiber, or cable. Thetransmission line 120 can also comprise various materials, including butnot limited to metals (e.g., aluminum, steel, copper, gold, etc.),composite materials, plastics (e.g., plastic optical fiber), and glass(e.g., glass optical fiber). Exemplary transmission lines 120 includebut are not limited to power lines, contact lines (e.g., contact linesfor railways), and communications lines.

A transmission tower 130 refers to any structure that is configured toaid in carrying, transferring, or otherwise transmitting a current orsignal from one location to another. For example, in some embodiments, atransmission tower 130 can support a transmission line 120. In otherembodiments, a transmission tower 130 can be used in sending wirelesssignals. The transmission tower 130 can include various materials,including but not limited to metals (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.),composite materials, wood, and concrete.

Various types of transmission towers 130 can be camouflaged according tothe principles disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, thetransmission tower 130 includes a pylon or other pillar-like structure.The transmission tower 130 can further include one or more cross-arms.The cross-arms can be coupled to the transmission line 120. In someembodiments, the transmission tower 130 comprises a lattice structurecomprising a plurality of struts. The struts can be substantially linear(e.g., straight) or non-linear (e.g., curved). Exemplary transmissiontowers 130 include but are not limited to power line transmissiontowers, telephone transmission towers (e.g., telephone line towers, cellphone towers, etc.), railway transmission towers, internet transmissiontowers, and other types of data transmission towers.

The camouflaged object 110 can also comprise other objects and/orstructures if desired. For example, the camouflaged object 110 cancomprise various post or pole type structures, including but not limitedto posts or poles used to support lights, traffic signals, signs,antennas, wind mills, etc. Non-post or non-pole type structures can alsobe camouflaged according to the principles disclosed herein. It willthus be appreciated that the camouflaging principles disclosed hereinare not limited to any particular object and/or structure.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, one or moresurfaces of the camouflaged object 110 can be configured to reflectlight such that the surface appears like (e.g., matches, mimics,simulates, corresponds to, or otherwise blends with) an environmentalcondition 50. In other words, one or more surfaces of the camouflagedobject 110 can be configured to have a reflectivity that corresponds toa particular environmental condition 50. Configuring the reflectivity tocorrespond to an environmental condition 50 can reduce the ability of anobserver 5 to recognize the camouflaged object 110 or distinguish thecamouflaged object 110 from the environmental condition 50.

In certain embodiments, the environmental condition 50 can comprise thecamouflaged object's 110 surroundings, or the surrounding environmentallandscape. The surrounding environmental landscape can also be referredto as a background environmental landscape. Exemplary environmentallandscapes include but are not limited to forested landscapes, woodedlandscapes, mountainous landscapes, coastal landscapes, rockylandscapes, snowy landscapes, hilly landscapes, desert landscapes, plainlandscapes, agricultural landscapes, sky landscapes, water landscapes,grassy landscapes, industrial landscapes (e.g., industrial buildings,refineries, etc.), commercial landscapes (e.g., commercial buildings,office buildings, etc.), and residential landscapes (e.g., residentialhomes, apartments buildings, etc.).

Various methods can be used to configure or otherwise impart the one ormore surfaces of the camouflaged object 110 with a desired reflectivity.For example, in some embodiments, data or information about anenvironmental condition can be collected, obtained, and/or received. Thedata or information can include the location of the camouflaged object110 and/or the one or more surfaces thereof, or the location where thecamouflaged object 110 is to be employed. The data or information canfurther include the characteristics of the environmental condition(s) atand/or near the location of the camouflaged object 110 and/or the one ormore surfaces thereof, including the characteristics of theenvironmental condition(s) that are observed when viewing thecamouflaged object 110 and/or the one or more surfaces thereof from oneor more observation locations or viewpoints.

A particular reflectivity can then be imparted to the one or moresurfaces of the camouflaged object 110 by, for example, painting the oneor more surfaces, coating the one or more surfaces, imparting a textureto the one or more surfaces, or combinations thereof. The resultingpaint layer, coating layer, texture, and/or combination thereof canexhibit a reflectivity having characteristics that appear like (e.g.,match, mimic, simulate, correspond to, or otherwise blend with) the dataor information received about the environmental condition.

The reflectivity can be imparted to the one or more surfaces of thecamouflaged object 110 at various times. For example, in someembodiments, the reflectivity is imparted during the manufacturingprocess of the camouflaged object 110. In other embodiments, thereflectivity is imparted after manufacturing the camouflaged object 110,but prior to delivery and/or installation of the camouflaged object 110at the location where it is to be employed. In yet other embodiments,the reflectivity can be imparted during installation at the desiredlocation. In yet other embodiments, the reflectivity is imparted afterinstallation. Further, in some embodiments, robots can be used to impartthe reflectivity to the one or more surfaces. For example, line walkingrobots can be used in embodiments wherein the camouflaged object 110comprises a transmission line 120.

The characteristics of the reflectivity (i.e., the reflectiveproperties) exhibited by the one or more surfaces can also be varied asdesired to achieve any particular camouflaging property. Suchcharacteristics of the reflectivity include but are not limited tocolor, reflective intensity (e.g., brightness), magnitude of reflection,polarization, reflective direction, angle of reflection, diffusereflection, specular reflection, and combinations thereof. By varyingthe reflective properties, the one or more surfaces can be configured tocorrespond to any variety of background environmental conditions.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in certain embodiments, thecamouflaged object 110 can be configured such that at least two surfacesappear like (e.g., match, mimic, simulate, correspond to, or otherwiseblend with) at least two different environmental conditions. Forexample, the camouflaged object 110 can comprise a first surface havinga first reflectivity that corresponds to a first environmental condition50, and a second surface having a second reflectivity that correspondsto a second environmental condition 50. In such embodiments, thereflectivity or appearance of the camouflaged object 110 can bedependent upon the location of the observer 5. For example, the firstreflectivity can be observed from a first location 10 and the secondreflectivity can be observed from a second location 20. The ability torecognize the camouflaged object 110 can thus be reduced when viewedfrom a plurality of locations (e.g., 10, 20) despite the presence ofmultiple and/or varied environmental conditions 50.

In some of such embodiments, the first environmental condition 50 cancomprise the camouflaged object's 110 surroundings (e.g., a firstbackground environmental landscape) that are observed when thecamouflaged object 110 is viewed from a first location 10, and thesecond environmental condition 50 can comprise the camouflaged object's110 surroundings (e.g., a second background environmental landscape)that are observed when the camouflaged object 110 is viewed from asecond location 20. With specific reference to FIG. 1, for example, afirst surface of the camouflaged object 110 can have a firstreflectivity that corresponds to a first environmental condition 50comprising a mountainous landscape, and a second surface of thecamouflaged object 110 can have a second reflectivity that correspondsto a second environmental condition 50 comprising a sky landscape. Whenthe observer 5 views the camouflaged object 110 from the first location10 (e.g., a location at a distance that is away from the camouflagedobject 110), the first surface may be the only substantially viewablesurface such that the ability of the observer 5 to recognize thecamouflaged object 110 and/or distinguish the camouflaged object 110from the background mountainous landscape may be reduced. Further, whenthe observer 5 views the camouflaged object 110 from the second location20 (e.g., a location closer to or beneath the camouflaged object 110),the second surface may be the only substantially viewable surface suchthat the ability of the observer 5 to recognize the camouflaged object110 and/or distinguish the camouflaged object 110 from the backgroundsky landscape may also be reduced.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the one or more surfaces of the camouflagedobject 110 can be configured to correspond to different environmentalconditions 50 depending upon the direction and/or angle at which thecamouflaged object 110 is viewed. For example, the angular measurementbetween the first location 10 and the camouflaged object 110 cancomprise a first angle α, which can also be described as a firstazimuth, and the angular measurement between the second location 20 andthe camouflaged object 110 can comprise a second angle (3, which can bedescribed as a second azimuth. When viewing the camouflaged object 110from the first angle α, the first surface may be the only substantiallyviewable surface such that the ability of the observer 5 to recognizethe camouflaged object 110 and/or distinguish the camouflaged object 110from the first environmental landscape may be reduced. Similarly, whenviewing the camouflaged object 110 from the second angle (3, the secondsurface may be the only substantially viewable surface such that theability of the observer 5 to recognize the camouflaged object 110 and/ordistinguish the camouflaged object 110 from the second environmentallandscape may be reduced.

As further detailed below, in some embodiments, one or more surfaces ofthe camouflaged object 110 can extend along a direction and can furtherinclude one or more additional reflectivities that correspond to one ormore additional environmental conditions. In such embodiments, thereflectivities of the first surface can change along the first directionso as to correspond to changes between the environmental conditions. Forexample, a first portion of a first surface can have a firstreflectivity that corresponds to a first environmental condition, and asecond portion of the first surface can have a second reflectivity thatcorresponds to a second environmental condition.

FIGS. 2A-2C depict a camouflaged object 210 comprising a transmissionline 220. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the transmission line 220 cancomprise a plurality of surfaces (or surface regions) 222, 224, 226,228, each of which can be configured to exhibit a particularreflectivity 223, 225, 227, 229. For example, the transmission line 220in the illustrated embodiment comprises a first surface 222 having afirst reflectivity 223, a second surface 224 having a secondreflectivity 225, a third surface 226 having a third reflectivity 227,and a fourth surface 228 having a fourth reflectivity 229. Thetransmission line 220 can also be configured with more or fewer surfaces(or surface regions) having particular reflectivities as desired.

As previously discussed, the reflectivity 223, 225, 227, 229 of each ofthe surfaces (or surface regions) 222, 224, 226, 228 can be configuredto correspond to a particular environmental condition. For example, thefirst reflectivity 223 can correspond to a first environmentalcondition, the second reflectivity 225 can correspond to a secondenvironmental condition, the third reflectivity 227 can correspond to athird environmental condition, and the fourth reflectivity 229 cancorrespond to a fourth environmental condition. In such embodiments, thetransmission line 220 can appear different when viewed from differentviewpoints, observation locations, angles, and directions, etc. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 2B, when an observer views the transmissionline 220 from the direction of D₁, the first surface 222 having thefirst reflectivity 223 may be the only substantially viewable surface.Analogously, when an observer views the transmission line 220 from thedirection of D₂, as shown in FIG. 2C, the second surface 224 having thesecond reflectivity 225 may be the only substantially viewable surface.

As can be appreciated, any variation of the above-identified methods ofimparting reflectivity can be applied to each surface (or surfaceregion) 222, 224, 226, 228 of the transmission line 220. For example,the first surface 222 can comprise at least one of a paint layer, acoating, and a texture having the first reflectivity 223. Analogously,the second, third, and fourth surfaces 224, 226, 228 can each compriseat least one of a paint layer, a coating, and a texture having thesecond, third, and fourth reflectivities 225, 227, 229, respectively.For example, in certain embodiments, the first surface 222 comprises afirst paint layer having the first reflectivity 223, and the secondsurface 224 comprises a second paint layer having the secondreflectivity 225. In other embodiments, the first surface 222 comprisesa first coating having the first reflectivity 223, and the secondsurface 224 comprises a second coating having the second reflectivity225. In yet other embodiments, the first surface 222 comprises a firsttexture having the first reflectivity 223, and the second surface 224comprises a second texture having the second reflectivity 225.

Combinations of the above-identified methods of imparting reflectivitycan also be applied to the surfaces (or surface regions) 222, 224, 226,228. For example, in certain of such embodiments, the first surface 222can comprise a paint layer having the first reflectivity 223, and thesecond surface 224 can comprise a coating having the second reflectivity225. In other embodiments, the first surface 222 can comprise a paintlayer having the first reflectivity 223, and the second surface 224 cancomprise a texture having the second reflectivity 225. In yet otherembodiments, the first surface 222 can comprise a coating having thefirst reflectivity 223, and the second surface 224 can comprise atexture having the second reflectivity 225.

In further embodiments, one or more of the surfaces (or surface regions)222, 224, 226, 228 can exhibit a reflectivity 223, 225, 227, 229 thatcomprises the default appearance of the surface 222, 224, 226, 228. Forexample, the surface (or surface region) 222, 224, 226, 228 can exhibita reflectivity 223, 225, 227, 229 that is imparted during the normalcourse of manufacturing. In such embodiments, the surface (or surfaceregion) 222, 224, 226, 228 need not be further painted, coated, orimparted with additional texture after the manufacturing process.

As can be appreciated, the characteristics of the first, second, third,and/or fourth reflectivities 223, 225, 227, 229 can be configured tocorrespond to any particular environmental condition. Suchcharacteristics include but are not limited to color, reflectiveintensity, (e.g., brightness), magnitude of reflection, polarization,reflective direction, angle of reflection, diffuse reflection, specularreflection, and combinations thereof. The characteristics of thereflectivities 223, 225, 227, 229 can also be different from oneanother. For example, in certain embodiments, the first reflectivity 223comprises a first color and the second reflectivity 225 comprises asecond color. In further embodiments, the first reflectivity 223comprises a first reflective intensity and the second reflectivity 225comprises a second reflective intensity. In yet further embodiments, thefirst reflectivity 223 comprises a first magnitude of reflection, andthe second reflectivity 225 comprises a second magnitude of reflection.In other embodiments, the first reflectivity 223 comprises a firstpolarization, and the second reflectivity 225 comprises a secondpolarization. In still other embodiments, the first reflectivity 223comprises a first reflective direction, and the second reflectivity 225comprises a second reflective direction. In still further embodiments,the first reflectivity 223 comprises a first angle of reflection and thesecond reflectivity 225 comprises a second angle of reflection. In otherembodiments, the first reflectivity 223 comprises a first diffusereflection, and the second reflectivity 225 comprises a second diffusedirection. In yet other embodiments, the first reflectivity 223comprises a first specular reflection, and the second reflectivity 225comprises a second specular reflection. Combinations of theabove-mentioned characteristics are also contemplated.

In certain embodiments, one or more surfaces 222, 224, 226, 228 can alsobe configured to enhance visualization of the camouflaged object 210.For example, a surface or surface region 222, 224, 226, 228 (e.g., a topsurface or surface region) can be imparted with a reflectivity 223, 225,227, 229 that is easily seen or otherwise recognizable by a person,e.g., such as a pilot of an airplane, helicopter, para glider, hangglider, or other form of aircraft. A surface or surface region 222, 224,226, 228 (e.g., a top surface or surface region) can also be impartedwith a reflectivity 223, 225, 227, 229 that is easily seen or otherwiserecognizable by animals such as birds.

It will also be appreciated that the surfaces (or surfaces regions) 222,224, 226, 228 can be defined in various ways. For example, a surface orsurface region 222, 224, 226, 228 can extend around as much or as littleof the camouflaged object 210 as desired. The spatial relationship ofthe reflective surfaces 222, 224, 226, 228 can also be varied asdesired. For example, with specific reference to FIG. 2A, in someembodiments, a first surface (or surface region) 222 can comprise a sidesurface of the transmission line 220, and a second surface (or surfaceregion) 224 can comprise a bottom surface of the transmission line 220.In other embodiments, a first surface 222 can comprise the top surfaceof the transmission line 220, and a second surface 224 can comprise thebottom surface of the transmission line 220. In yet other embodiments, afirst surface 222 can comprise one surface (e.g., a first side surface)of the transmission line 220, and a second surface 224 can comprise anopposite surface (e.g., a second side surface) of the transmission line220. The first surface (or surface region) 222 of the transmission line220 can also be described as comprising a first azimuthal region, andthe second surface (or surface region) 224 of the transmission line 220can be described as comprising a second azimuthal region.

FIGS. 3A-3B depict a camouflaged object 310 comprising a reflector 350,according to another embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIGS.3A-3B, one or more reflectors 350 can be disposed on or otherwisecoupled to the camouflaged object 310. For example, as shown in theillustrated embodiment, a reflector 350 can be coupled to a transmissionline 320. In other embodiments, one or more reflectors 350 can becoupled to a transmission tower or another camouflaged object orstructure.

Various types of reflectors 350 can be used. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, the reflector 350 comprises an inverted v-shapedreflector. Other types (e.g., shapes and/or sizes) of reflectors 350 canalso be used as desired.

The one or more reflectors 350 can be configured to impart one or morereflective characteristics to the camouflaged object 310. For example,in some embodiments, at least one reflective surface that is observedwhen viewing the camouflaged object 310 can comprise a surface 352 ofthe reflector 350. In such embodiments, at least one surface of thecamouflaged object 310 can be described as being disposed on thereflector 350.

As can be appreciated, the reflector 350 can be configured to reflect animage of an environmental condition (e.g., the surrounding environmentallandscape). For example, a first surface 352 of the reflector 350 can beconfigured to reflect the sky or an image thereof. Other backgroundenvironmental landscapes can also be reflected by the reflector 350.Further, in some embodiments, a second surface 354 of the reflector 350can be painted or otherwise coated to correspond to a secondenvironmental condition. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, abottom surface 354 of the reflector 350 can be configured to correspondto a sky landscape such that the reflector 350 is not readily apparentwhen being viewed from a location that is substantially beneath thecamouflaged object 310. In some of such embodiments, a surface 321 ofthe camouflaged object 310 can also be configured to correspond to thesecond environmental condition (e.g., sky landscape), thereby reducingthe ability of an observer to recognize and/or distinguish both thesurface 321 of the camouflaged object 310 and the reflector 350.

FIG. 4 depicts a camouflaged transmission system 400, according toanother embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, in someembodiments, the camouflaged object 410 comprises a transmission line420 that extends along a first direction D₃ (e.g., a longitudinaldirection of the transmission line 420). As the transmission line 420extends along the first direction D₃, the reflectivity or reflectiveproperties of the transmission line 420 can change to correspond tochanges in one or more environmental conditions. For example, a firstportion of one or more surfaces of the transmission line 420 can have afirst reflectivity that corresponds to a first environmental condition52, and a second portion of the one or more surfaces of the transmissionline 420 can have a second reflectivity that corresponds to a secondenvironmental condition 54.

With specific reference to FIG. 4, for example, a first portion 420 a ofone or more surfaces of the transmission line 420 can have a firstreflectivity that corresponds to a first environmental condition 52(e.g., a mountainous landscape), and a second portion 420 b of one ormore surfaces of the transmission line 420 can have a secondreflectivity that corresponds to a second environmental condition 54(e.g., a forested landscape). In such embodiments, the transmission line420 can appear different when an observer 5 views the transmission line420 from a first location 12 and a second location 22. For example, afirst portion 420 a of the transmission line 420 can appear like amountainous landscape, and a second portion 420 b of the transmissionline 420 can appear like a forested landscape, thereby reducing theability of the observer 5 to recognize the camouflaged object 410 fromvarious observation locations, independent of changes in theenvironment. As can be appreciated, the transmission line 420 can alsoappear different when an observer 5 views the transmission line 420 fromone location, but from different directions and/or angles (e.g., if theobserver 5 at the first location 12 turns towards the secondenvironmental condition 54).

FIG. 5 depicts a camouflaged object 510 comprising a transmission line520 having a surface 522 that extends along a first direction D₄ (e.g.,a longitudinal direction). As shown in FIG. 5, the reflectivity 525, 527varies as the transmission line 520 extends in the first direction D₄.For example, a first portion 524 of the surface 522 has a firstreflectivity 525, and a second portion 526 of the surface 522 has asecond reflectivity 527. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 4, thefirst reflectivity 525 can correspond to a first environmentalcondition, and the second reflectivity 527 can correspond to a secondenvironmental condition.

FIGS. 6A-6B depict a camouflaged object 610 comprising a transmissiontower 630. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the transmission tower 630 cancomprise one or more surfaces 632, 634 that are configured to have areflectivity 633, 635 that corresponds to a particular environmentalcondition. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the transmissiontower 630 comprises a first surface 632 having a first reflectivity 633that can correspond to a first environmental condition, and a secondsurface 634 having a second reflectivity 635 that can correspond to asecond environmental condition.

In some embodiments, the first surface 632 is disposed on a first sideof the transmission tower 630 (as shown in FIG. 6A), and the secondsurface 634 is disposed on a second side of the transmission tower 630(as shown in FIG. 6B). Further, the first and second sides are disposedon opposite sides of the transmission tower 630. For example, FIG. 6Bdepicts the transmission tower 630 of FIG. 6A rotated 180 degrees, andvice versa. The first and second surfaces 632, 634 can also be disposedon the transmission tower 630 in any other manner as desired, e.g., abottom surface and a top surface.

As further shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, in some embodiments, the transmissiontower 630 comprises a pylon or pillar-like structure 637. If desired,the transmission tower 630 can further comprise one or more cross-arms631, which can extend outwardly from the transmission tower 630. Thecross-arms 631 can include coupling members 636 and can be configured tocouple to one or more transmission lines. In some of such embodiments,the cross-arms 631 can also comprise one or more surfaces that areconfigured to correspond to an environmental condition, analogous to thefirst and second surfaces 632, 634 previously discussed.

FIGS. 7 and 8A-8B depict a camouflaged object 710 comprising atransmission tower 730, according to another embodiment of thedisclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission tower 730comprises a lattice structure 740. The lattice structure 740 comprises aplurality of struts 742, which can be substantially linear (as shown inthe illustrated embodiment), or non-linear (e.g., curved). Thetransmission tower 730 further comprises one or more cross-arms 731,which can extend outwardly from the transmission tower 730 and caninclude one or more coupling members 736 for coupling one or moretransmission lines. As previously mentioned, wireless transmissiontowers 730 can also be used.

It will also be appreciated that any surface (e.g., any viewablesurface) of the transmission tower 730 can be camouflaged according tothe principles disclosed herein. With specific reference to FIGS. 8A-8B,for example, the transmission tower 730 can comprise a first surface 744having a first reflectivity 745 that corresponds to a firstenvironmental condition, and a second surface 746 having a secondreflectivity 747 that corresponds to a second environmental condition.The first surface 744 can be disposed on a first side of thetransmission tower 730, and the second surface 746 can be disposed on asecond side of the transmission tower 730. In certain embodiments, thefirst and second surfaces 744, 746 are disposed on opposite sides of thetransmission tower 730 (as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, which represent viewsof the transmission tower 730 rotated 180 degrees from one another). Inother embodiments, the first and second surfaces 744, 746 can bedisposed on adjacent sides of the transmission tower 730.

With further reference to FIGS. 8A-8B, when viewed from a firstlocation, as shown in FIG. 8A, the first surface 744 having a firstreflectivity 745 may be the only substantially viewable surface of thetransmission tower 730. Analogously, when viewed from a second location,as shown in FIG. 8B, the second surface 746 having a second reflectivity747 may be the only substantially viewable surface of the transmissiontower 730.

Methods for camouflaging an object are also provided herein. Inparticular, it is contemplated that any of the components, principles,and/or embodiments discussed above may be utilized by either a system ora method. For example, in an embodiment, a method for camouflaging anobject can comprise imparting a first reflectivity to a first surface ofthe object, the first reflectivity corresponding to a firstenvironmental condition. The method can further comprise a step ofimparting a second reflectivity to a second surface of the object, thesecond reflectivity corresponding to a second environmental condition.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of receivingdata corresponding to at least one of the first and second environmentalconditions. The data can comprise a location of at least one of thefirst surface and the second surface. The method can further compriseproviding the camouflaged object to a third party. Additional steps,and/or methods, can also be employed.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “theembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with that embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variationsthereof, as recited throughout this specification are not necessarilyall referring to the same embodiment.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description ofembodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a singleembodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require morefeatures than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination offewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment.

The claims following this written disclosure are hereby expresslyincorporated into the present written disclosure, with each claimstanding on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includesall permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims.Moreover, additional embodiments capable of derivation from theindependent and dependent claims that follow are also expresslyincorporated into the present written description.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopeand spirit being indicated by the following claims.

1. A method for camouflaging an object, wherein the object comprises atransmission line that extends in a first direction, the methodcomprising: imparting a first reflectivity to a first portion of a firstsurface of the object, the first reflectivity corresponding to a firstenvironmental condition; and imparting a second reflectivity to a secondportion of the first surface of the object, the second reflectivitycorresponding to a second environmental condition.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising receiving data corresponding to at least oneof the first environmental condition and the second environmentalcondition.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the data comprises alocation of at least one of the first portion and the second portion ofthe first surface on the object.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein thefirst direction is a longitudinal direction along the transmission line.5. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmission line comprises apower line.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmission linecomprises a communications line.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein thefirst environmental condition comprises the object's surroundings whenthe object is viewed from a first location, and the second environmentalcondition comprises the object's surroundings when the object is viewedfrom a second location.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first andsecond environmental conditions comprise the object's surroundings whenthe object is viewed from a first location.
 9. The method of claim 1,wherein the first environmental condition comprises a first backgroundenvironmental landscape and the second environmental condition comprisesa second background environmental landscape.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein the first environmental condition comprises a first backgroundenvironmental landscape when the object is viewed from a first location,and the second environmental condition comprises a second backgroundenvironmental landscape when the object is viewed from a secondlocation.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the first environmentalcondition comprises a first background environmental landscape when theobject is viewed from a first location, and the second environmentalcondition comprises a second background environmental landscape when theobject is viewed from the first location.
 12. The method of claim 1,wherein imparting the first reflectivity to the first portion of thefirst surface comprises painting the first portion of the first surfacewith a first paint having the first reflectivity, and imparting thesecond reflectivity to the second portion of the first surface comprisespainting the second portion of the first surface with a second painthaving the second reflectivity.
 13. The method of claim 1, whereinimparting the first reflectivity to the first portion of the firstsurface comprises coating the first portion of the first surface with afirst coating having the first reflectivity, and imparting the secondreflectivity to the second portion of the first surface comprisescoating the second portion of the first surface with a second coatinghaving the second reflectivity.
 14. The method of claim 1, whereinimparting the first reflectivity to the first portion of the firstsurface comprises imparting the first portion of the first surface witha first texture having the first reflectivity, and imparting the secondreflectivity to the second portion of the first surface comprisesimparting the second portion of the first surface with a second texturehaving the second reflectivity.
 15. The method of claim 1, whereinimparting the first reflectivity to the first portion of the firstsurface comprises painting the first portion of the first surface with apaint having the first reflectivity, and imparting the secondreflectivity to the second portion of the first surface comprisescoating the second portion of the first surface with a coating havingthe second reflectivity.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein impartingthe first reflectivity to the first portion of the first surfacecomprises painting the first portion of the first surface with a painthaving the first reflectivity, and imparting the second reflectivity tothe second portion of the first surface comprises imparting the secondportion of the first surface with a texture having the secondreflectivity.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein imparting the firstreflectivity to the first portion of the first surface comprises coatingthe first portion of the first surface with a coating having the firstreflectivity, and imparting the second reflectivity to the secondportion of the first surface comprises imparting the second portion ofthe first surface with a texture having the second reflectivity.
 18. Themethod of claim 1, wherein imparting the first reflectivity to the firstportion of the first surface comprises at least one of painting thefirst portion of the first surface with a paint having the firstreflectivity, coating the first portion of the first surface with acoating having the first reflectivity, and imparting the first portionof the first surface with a texture having the first reflectivity. 19.The method of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the first surface isdisposed on one or more reflectors that are coupled to the object. 20.The method of claim 19, wherein the one or more reflectors compriseinverted v-shaped reflectors.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein theone or more reflectors are configured to reflect the sky.
 22. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: imparting a third reflectivity to asecond surface of the object, the third reflectivity corresponding to athird environmental condition.
 23. A method for camouflaging an object,wherein the object comprises at least one of a transmission line and atransmission tower, comprising: operating a first plurality of lightsonto a first surface of the object in a non-linear pattern so as tocause the first surface to appear non-linear and reduce an ability torecognize the object, the first plurality of lights being configured toemit light having a first characteristic that corresponds to a firstenvironmental condition.
 24. The method of claim 23, further comprisinginitiating light emission from at least one of the lights.
 25. Themethod of claim 23, wherein the object comprises a transmission tower.26. The method of claim 25, wherein the transmission tower comprises alattice structure comprising a plurality of struts.
 27. The method ofclaim 25, wherein one or more of the plurality of struts are non-linear.28. The method of claim 23, wherein the first environmental conditioncomprises the object's surroundings when the object is viewed from afirst location.
 29. The method of claim 23, wherein the firstenvironmental condition comprises a first background environmentallandscape.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the first environmentalcondition comprises a first background environmental landscape when theobject is viewed from a first location.
 31. The method of claim 29,wherein the first characteristic is configured to mimic the firstbackground environmental landscape.
 32. The method of claim 29, whereinthe first characteristic is configured to simulate the first backgroundenvironmental landscape.
 33. The method of claim 29, wherein the firstcharacteristic is configured to blend with the first backgroundenvironmental landscape.
 34. The method of claim 29, wherein the firstcharacteristic corresponds with the first background environmentallandscape so as to reduce an ability to recognize the object when viewedfrom a first location.
 35. The method of claim 23, wherein the firstcharacteristic comprises color.
 36. The method of claim 23, wherein thefirst characteristic comprises intensity.
 37. The method of claim 23,wherein the camouflaged object is configured to supply power to at leastone of the lights.
 38. The method of claim 23, further comprising asensor to determine at least one of the presence and the location of apotential observer of the object.
 39. The method of claim 38, furthercomprising varying light emission from at least one of the lights inresponse to data from the sensor.
 40. The method of claim 23, whereinthe first plurality of lights is configured to emit light based on thepresence of the potential observer.
 41. The method of claim 23, whereinthe first plurality of lights is configured to emit light based on thelocation of the potential observer relative to the object.